310 seamanship secrets
Check list and trim before loading. Before you start to load, check your list and
trim. Do you notice any differences in the waterline bootstripe on port and starboard
sides? Stand in front of the bow or stern and see if the boat leans to one side. If you see
a list, determine the source. Do you need to shift chain, canned goods, or tools to level
the boat on its waterline? Check the bilges, seacocks, and stuffing box for leaks. Then,
check off-centerline fresh- and gray-water tanks. Is one full and the other dry?
Fill water and fuel tanks and recheck. Once the boat is trimmed, fill freshwater
and fuel tanks. When you are done, recheck list and trim.
Load provisions. Load low, beginning near the keel and work fore and aft and athwart-
ships. Load half of all provisions and then step off the boat and check the list and trim
again. Redistribute provisions if necessary. Finish loading and conduct a fi nal check.
AMOUNT OF CREW WEIGHT AND PROVISIONS
TO IMMERSE THE WATERLINE
How much weight does it take to lower your waterline by 1 inch? Use this chart to get a rough
estimate of your crew and provisions weight. Th en work through the formula below.
Provisioning and Crew Weight Estimates for Safe Loading
Consumables
Canned and bottled goods = 1 pound per item
Fresh produce = best estimate
Crew and personal gear
Crew/passengers = 175 pounds per person
Personal gear (each person) = 100 pounds
Ground tackle
Anchor chain (up to^5 / 16 inch) = 1 pound per foot
Nylon line (common sizes):
5 / 16 inch = 3 pounds per 100 feet
3 / 8 inch = 4 pounds per 100 feet
7 / 16 inch = 5 pounds per 100 feet
1 / 2 inch = 7 pounds per 100 feet
Sails, sailing hardware, tools = best estimate
Ta n k a g e
Fresh water = 8 pounds per gallon
Waste water = 9 pounds per gallon
Diesel fuel = 7 pounds per gallon
Gasoline = 6 pounds per gallonUse the following steps to determine how much weight it takes to lower your
waterline by 1 inch.